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Among Santa’s CHAMPs

Local members of the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, who recently joined the Association’s PLAYSAFE/DRIVESAFE float in Rogers Santa Claus Parade in Vancouver, helped to mark a milestone: 65 years of key tags.

Surrey’s Aimee Brennan, 10, a left arm amputee, rode the float as a safety ambassador.

A special sign on the float marked the 65th anniversary of War Amps key tags.

Public support of key tags allows the War Amps to run its many programs such as CHAMP, which provides child amputees across Canada with funding for artificial limbs, regional seminars and programs such as Matching Mothers.

Astar, the gold robot from Planet Danger, was also front and centre, reminding kids that he can put his arm back on, but they can’t, so “PLAYSAFE!”

“All of the Champs who joined the float are part of our National Safety Ambassador Team,” said Rob Larman, director of PLAYSAFE/DRIVESAFE, who himself lost a leg at the age of 14 when friends dared him to jump a train.

“This kids-to-kids approach gets the message across to children in a way that they can relate to and that they will remember.”

Brennan was also a Safety Ambassador with the float recently in the Grey Cup Parade.

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